Opening Segment
What I Liked:
The night started off with the WWE Champion CM Punk, talking about winning last night. He continues to go on and discuss his lengthy title reign, until The Big Show comes out. Show talks about having a match with Punk tonight and that after he knocks him out, Cena is going to cash in and win the WWE Championship. CM Punk looks worried, and the Big Show leaves. I really enjoyed the conversation between the two guys, as it foreshadows what could happen. Big Show is a guy who is really good at interacting with the top faces, even if his matches are not excellent. Punk has a valid point to talk about his reign as champion, and the crowd really does respect how far he has come. I enjoyed this conversation, and made me interested in their match tonight.
What I Disliked:
I was happy to see Cena not come out early, but is Show vs. Punk a match that people will wait two hours to see? Where is the validity of Big Show if he keeps losing matches on Pay Per Views?
Grade: B
Kofi Kingston and R-Truth def. PTP To Retain The WWE Tag Team Championships
What I Liked:
Even though PTP lost a night ago, I thought this was a good choice to book them tonight. I figure we will not see these guys next week because of all of the returning talent. I loved the fact that this match was fast paced and focused primarliy on PTP and their ability to carry a match. Although still young, they have a solid look, better cockiness, and a well balanced attack between Young and Titus. Titus is extremely strong and punishes his opponent, while Young is more of a scrappy wrestler who finds ways to beat his opponents. Kofi and Truth are finally getting back into the swing of things, and this match was pretty good. Kofi hits a Trouble in Paradise, while Truth connects with his finisher to pick up the victory. It does not make PTP look weak because it was somewhat of a longer match with a few pieces involved. Good progression, and I enjoyed the outcome.
What I Disliked:
Will PTP stay as number one contenders? If not, what was the point of them winning at No Way Out only to lose on a meaningless Raw? I feel like they are unsure what they want to do with all of the other tag teams besides Truth and Kofi. You can see the inconsistency booked each week, and will be exposed more if they cannot figure out a good storyline. Tag Teams can easily be forgotten these days.
Grade: B
-AJ and Bryan are backstage talking until Eve comes in. She says she gets to book her partner against them tonight. Bryan kisses AJ on the cheek and leaves.
